This week on the Free Apps Roundup: It’s almost Valentine’s Day, which means you’re probably out spending all of your extra money on stuff you probably don’t need. That’s okay, you can still get some apps for free. This week there’s a new free online multiplayer Battlefield game from EA. And I found a plethora of limited time freebies. So get to it.

Free:

• Battlefield 3: Aftershock – Get ready for the aftershock with this free multiplayer map courtesy of EA and Act of Valor. It’s team multiplayer with some pretty great graphics optimized for iOS. You have the choice of four weapons with an unlockable fifth bonus weapon.

Free for a limited time:

• The Moogies – iOS devices are great because it doesn’t matter how old you are, they’re just fun. Here’s one for the kids in your life. The app lets 2-6 year olds call any of the 9 moogies and hear them talk in their babble language. There’s even a parrot that mimics what you say. There are no ads, in app purchases or any other reason to hold your kids back from this one…unless your kids are super smart; then give them a calculator. It’s never too early.
• TapShot – Camera.app is a great for the basics, but if you want a more customized app, this may be just what you need. It’s a fully customizable gesture based camera app. So the way this works is that you can assign actions to things like swipes. Gestures are meant to replace buttons. Well, everything other than the volume down button, which allows you to take photos in burst mode. There’s even face detection built in.
• Trial Xtreme 2 HD – This game uses the cutting edge NVIDIA PhysX engine to give you great graphics while you’re performing some awesome motorcycle stunts. There are 32 levels in 5 challenging environments. There are hundreds of obstacles to avoid with the intuitive tilt control system. Max out your score and beat your friends on GameCenter.
• Trial Xtreme 2 – Here’s the iPhone version.
• Iron Commando Pro – It’s the year 2046. Obviously, aliens have invaded and they aren’t exactly friendly. Bruce Willis won’t be around that long, so can you think of anyone better than you to save the world? Nope. So get to it on this 2D side scroller platformer.
• Star Rover HD – One of the coolest things you can do with an iOS device is use it to view the rest of the universe. This app does exactly that for your iPad. It’s a planetarium app with over 120,000 stars, 88 constellations and more. And yes, you can lift your iPad into the air and replicate what you should be seeing just like all of the other astronomy apps.
• Kinoptic – One of my favorite things from the Harry Potter movies is the way the “still” pictures move. This app helps you do that by making images that have “minor and repeated movements.” You’ll need to have an internet connection and create an account to make use of the app though.
• Incredible Snowboard – This game reminds me a lot of the snowboarding games that I used to play on N64. I wouldn’t necessarily expect a lot out of this game, but it looks like it could be a fun distraction.
• Cut the Buttons – I’ve always liked buttons, but let’s be honest; they never seem to be as secure as you’d really like them to be. And there’s one thing that’s sure to make them even less secure—you with a pair of scissors in the study. Unlike Fruit Ninja, you are required to use two fingers in this game. It’s pretty intuitive actually, just use the scissors like normal. Just don’t cut the buttons that are held on by bolts. Now that’s a button!
• Solitair Spin – This game is like Mahjong with playing cards instead of tiles. There are over 500 levels across three games modes. It’s a great way to waste time.

Apple has been teasing users/developers with their iOS 5.1 betas for weeks and weeks now, causing many to wonder when will users get the opportunity to download the latest iOS software onto their mobile devices. Now, reports are surfacing that Apple’s iOS 5.1 software update will be released publicly about one month from today. Leaks of operator profiles set to be sent out to various iPhone carriers point directly towards a March 9th release date.

According to YourDailyMac, those profiles were aimed towards the mobile operators in Japan, France, Greece, Finland and Sweden, and the updates aim to ensure network compatibility with the new iOS version. The report stated that, “Since iOS updates are normally rolled out at the same time worldwide, so everyone should expect iOS 5.1 to become available next month.”

For a while now, Apple’s iOS 5.1 has remained in a beta testing mode. Based on several leaks from the iOS 5.1 beta, it will include upgrades and bug fixes and also promises to bring support for additional languages to the Siri software on the iPhone 4S. Let’s see if the iOS 5.1 update will finally resolve the bug issue that’s been plaguing iOS owners when it comes to the battery drain on the iPhone.

Many bloggers are speculating that if those dates are accurate,t Apple could be paving the way for the March release date of the next generation of the iPad 3. Apple has been known to unveil new iDevice products alongside new iOS update. So, its possible Apple was holding out on this update to time up nicely with the launch of the iPad 3.

When Apple decides to rolled out with this iOS 5.1 update, it will be fully compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod Touch 3G/4G, iPad, and iPad 2.

Via [Your Daily Mac]

Tweetbot 2.0 boasts new features such as inline image previews, opening links within the app, Readability integration, and UI improvements. Tweetbot for iPad includes all of the iPhone/iPod touch app’s features with a beautiful yet simple interface to match.

Both Tweetbot versions are available on the App Store now for $2.99 each.

Product [Tweetbot]

Consider it a tough day when you sneeze so hard that your very soul is hurled out of your body. Consider it even tougher when you learn the only way to get it back is to scare the various citizens of Monster Town. Sound like a fun game concept? It is, but that’s not this game. That’s Gabrielle’s Ghostly Groove for Nintendo 3DS. This is Gabrielle’s Monster Match for iOS, a universal app match-style game that manages to retain the charm of its predecessor despite its more basic gameplay.

What is it?

Gabrielle’s Monster Match is another grid-based tapping game where you try to line up various icons in rows or columns of four to make them disappear. Unlike most games of this ilk, however, the board starts out largely empty here, with four more icons added each time you don’t set up a match. When the board fills up completely (or time runs out), you lose.

How does it work?

At the beginning of each level, you’re given your task: get a 2x combo in 60 seconds, remove seven icons at once in 90s seconds, etc. Some of the tasks can be quite difficult, while others are easily overcome, but all require a certain degree of strategy. You can move the icons pretty much anywhere on the screen provided the launch and/or landing squares are not blocked off.

To the right of the main grid is a column that shows the next four icons to hit the screen. Although you don’t know where on the grid they’ll land, you’ll at least know what they will be and can plan accordingly. If you manage to line up four similar icons, they will clear off and you’ll get to go again without having four more icons dumped on the grid. It’s therefore best to not focus on just one icon at a time. The more open you can be with your strategy, the longer you’ll be able to keep the board open.

Is it contagious?

Gabrielle’s Monster Match is cute fun, yes. The three game modes—Time Trial, Quest and Endless—will keep you playing after you’ve completed all the levels (only five of which are available in the free version). Although Monster Match doesn’t do much to further Gabrielle’s character or endear her to the player (you learn about her only through storybook pages that are unlocked as you complete levels), the charm of the design and music is carried through.

Fans of Gabrielle should enjoy the trip back to the familiar faces of Monster Town, even if the gameplay is radically different from its rhythm based predecessor. But you needn’t have any idea of who Gabrielle is to have fun with Monster Match. The puzzles are varied enough to keep things interesting, and challenging enough to make you feel rewarded upon completion.

Oh, but one boneheaded thing about the game; the ads remain even after you’ve paid for the full version. Not cool, Natsume…not cool at all.

Category: Puzzle/arcade game
Developer: Natsume, Inc.
Cost: Free – first five levels; $0.99 – full game
Download: Gabrielle’s Monster Match

Dave Morin, CEO of Path, has apologized today for his company’s actions in this matter, and assured users within his apology that Path is committed to protecting its users’ privacy.

Morin’s statement on the issue follows:

We made a mistake. Over the last couple of days users brought to light an issue concerning how we handle your personal information on Path, specifically the transmission and storage of your phone contacts. As our mission is to build the world’s first personal network, a trusted place for you to journal and share life with close friends and family, we take the storage and transmission of your personal information very, very seriously.

Path fixed the privacy concern behind this through an update to its iOS app, which is now available in the App Store, bringing Path up to version 2.0.6. This update allows users to opt-in or opt-out of having their address book contact information stored on Path’s servers, and gives users the ability to opt-out later by emailing the company at service@path.com and asking them to remove the data from their servers. All address book contact information that had been stored prior to this update has also been erased from Path’s servers, so you can be assured your data is no longer in their hands unless you opt-in upon launching the new Path version.

Via [9to5 Mac]

Mass Effect Infiltrator will give players an increased “Galactic Readiness rating,” an element used in the game’s “Galaxy at War” system which ties into the console’s multiplayer component. Playing the iOS tie-in will also allow players the chance to earn exclusive weaponry, another reason Mass Effect 3 fans should purchase the iOS tie-in.

Mass Effect Infiltrator should be available on the App Store very soon, as Mass Effect 3 is just about a month away from release.

Via [TUAW]

AirPlay mirroring is a very cool iOS feature, although its major downside is its limitation to iDevices such as the iPad and Apple TV. Even though the app is merely a prototype for now, it will be a huge step forward for AirPlay mirroring once it’s released, either on the Mac App Store as Stanfill is hoping for or even elsewhere unofficially should Apple turn it down once it’s ready. As of now, only the iPhone 4S and iPad support its AirPlay mirroring technology. However, more iDevices are expected to be supported soon, and best of all, jailbreaking is not a requirement for use.

Look out for further details on Hacksugar from Napkin Studio as development progresses and a public release gets closer. Let’s hope Apple takes the high road and allows this into the Mac App Store once it’s ready, as Stanfill surely deserves it for his hard work in bringing us this amazing new AirPlay implementation.

Via [TUAW]

Thampi’s blog post goes more into the technical details behind all of this and outlines how one can recreate the situation.

The co-founder and CEO of Path, Dave Morin, issued a statement on the privacy concern that this has brought up:

We believe that this type of friend finding & matching is important to the industry and that it is important that users clearly understand it, so we proactively rolled out an opt-in for this on our Android client a few weeks ago and are rolling out the opt-in for this in 2.0.6 of our iOS Client, pending App Store approval.

While this is certainly better than nothing, as users will soon be able to opt-out of having that data transmitted in an update to the app, it doesn’t change the fact that this has already happened and doesn’t do anything to reverse it. Morin also doesn’t even explain why Path has been transferring users’ address books to their servers, which is kind of a sketchy dodge of the real concern behind everything.

Let’s hope the good people at Path don’t decide to do anything they’ll regret with all of that personal contact information, and that they will solve this issue the right way.

Read [Thampi's blog post] Via [9to5 Mac]

Interested in using your iPad 2 as a secondary monitor or touchscreen computer? There are various apps that let you do that, and now there’s some hardware, too. Twelve South has unveiled HoverBar, an adjustable arm that floats an iPad 2 next to an iMac or Apple display. The HoverBar can also be used separately to create a compact iPad workstation or an install-free kitchen mount for iPad.

HoverBar turns iPad into the ultimate sidecar for an iMac or Apple display, presenting more ways to use iPad more often. Connect HoverBar to your Mac, snap iPad 2 into the secure clip and you now have one powerful dual-computer work setup. Having iPad floating next to your Mac allows you to monitor your Twitter stream, stocks and local weather — or run FaceTime on your iPad while you email, edit a file, or cut a video on your Mac. There is no reason to leave iPad in your computer bag when you have a HoverBar. This accessory expands the way you use and interact with iPad 2.

HoverBar features a black, heavy-gauge, adjustable steel arm that lets users position iPad beside or above their Mac. Simply flex the HoverBar arm to find the ideal position for viewing, swiping or tapping iPad. HoverBar has a solid metal, silicone lined clamp that can be attached to any iMac or Apple display with an L-shaped stand. The easy on, easy off clamp leaves no marks and is secured with an included allen wrench. Designed specifically for iPad 2, the secure, ball-mounted iPad display clip can be rotated horizontally or vertically and can also be tilted back and forth. HoverBar does not interfere with the use of a Smart Cover.

With it’s two-way mounting clamp, the HoverBar can be connected to any surface up to one inch thick, regardless of proximity to your computer. Attach it to a kitchen cabinet or counter to follow a recipe or cooking video while preparing dinner.

Create a compact, dorm room workstation. Use it to interact with your favorite DJ or music apps. Create a steering wheel for racing apps. The uses are up to you.

Product [HoverBar]

Sales:

• New - Hub Innovations is offering 15% off on all pink, white and red products from now until February 17th.  From iPad and iPhone cases to new sleek and architectural stands for all smartphones and tablets, Hub would like to show some Valentine’s Day love to iDevice owners.
• New - To celebrate Valentine’s Day, ProCamera is having a sweet sale and dropping the price. ProCamera is a well-balanced 5-in-1 app that has still-photo, video, photo editing tools, social networking support, and camera related utilities. A straightforward and intuitive design makes ProCamera very easy to use. 
• Whether it’s your first Valentine’s Day together or your fifteenth, give a gift they’ll love all year long through Apple’s Online Store. Shop their Gift Guide for a handpicked collection of accessories— including many exclusives—for iPad, iPhone, iPod, and Mac. All with free shipping.
  
• TheInformedChef helps you make this Valentine’s Day special with a 40% discount on cooking for two App for iPad. Serves Two 1.0 is both the perfect Valentine’s day gift for for the love of your life and an invaluable aid for cooking up the perfect Valentine’s day meal for that special person. Featuring 25 brand new recipes from award winning cookbook author Carla Snyder. Inside the App are recipes for complete made-from-scratch-meals, with one pan clean-up and ready to eat in about 30 minutes. Serves Two 1.0 is available for iPad and iPad 2 now on the App Store in the Lifestyle category for just $5.99 (USD) until 14 February 2012.
• CaseMate wants you to give “the perfect gift for the perfect someone,” and they want you to do it for 20% off. Use code VALENTINE12 when checking out to get any iDevice accessory 20% storewide, including custom items.

iOS Games:

• Boy Loves Girl has been beautified and adorns the App Store now! It’s the perfectly pretty, pulse-pumping game this Valentine’s Day, available on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The new and updated Boy Loves Girl has lots of gorgeous features. It’s now stunningly attractive with Retina graphics and looking even more colourful and crisp. The image quality on all devices has been improved, making the new romantic experience available to all. The newly updated High Definition Boy Loves Girl will mesmerise eyes, win hearts, captivate minds and take players on the ultimate journey of love.
• Atari’s Breakout Boost has received a Valentine’s Day level pack update today with 50 new levels and brick layouts to celebrate the holiday spirit. Hopeless romantics across the globe can compete for leaderboard placement and earn new achievements while showing their love with the new Cupid’s Arrow power up. Players can purchase the new content for $0.99 by updating their App and selecting the Valentine’s Day Pack under “New Game.”
• Bumping Bears is a social virtual pets game for iPhone, iPad, and Android where players adopt bears to play with and raise on their very own donut planet in the wider bear galaxy. Users can find other players in their area using geolocation. The game has a special feature that encourages off-line courtship. When players meet-up, they can bump their phones together causing their bears to date and mate. Virtual love could be just the beginning!
• GemBoulder has created a fun and innovative social dating application that allows users to find and get to know new friends from all over the world for the upcoming Valentine’s day. WeNowBuddy has different features for single or multiplayer options. Users looking for love only need the WeNowBuddy app and their Apple/Android device to play the single player Image Game.
  
• Tweens and Tweens HD, games for iPhones, iPads and iPods, now have a completely new game mode especially designed for the special occasion of Valentine’s Day. As before, in Tweens, you race against the clock to match same colored pigs, but in special designed Valentine´s Edition mode it is not enough – additionally pigs must be different gender.
  

iOS Cards/Gifts/Romance:

• Share the love on your iPhone this Valentine’s Day with an old school, vintage Valentine’s with Retro Valentine’s for iPhone. This app includes 10 uniquely designed “retro” inspired cards, as well as 10 customizable cards that let you add a photo stored in your photo library or a picture that can be taken with the camera and send it to someone you care about. The vintage artwork for the cards were exclusively designed for this app and will not be found elsewhere.
• MobileChamps has introduced Valentine Day Cards 5.5 for iOS, their Social Networking app that offers 35 different Valentine’s Day decorative frames for photos shot on any camera-equipped iDevice. Users can create their own message on the card or use one of the 30 included. Offering four types of frames, Valentine Hearts, Flowers, Candy, and Romantic Fantasy, the app produces memorable Valentine’s Day cards instantly that may be saved or shared via integrated email, Facebook, or Twitter.
  
• Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Code Parable has announced that their first app, Helpful Romantic, is now available exclusively for iPhone and iPod touch. Helpful Romantic offers ideas for gifts, dates and romantic gestures by utilizing a significant other’s unique personality. In addition, users can catalogue all the important aspects of their relationship for easy access. Helpful Romantic was designed to equip anyone with ideas that fit their spouse, girlfriend or boyfriend’s personality.
  
• SinglesAroundMe (SAM) is a fun app that is spreading quickly around the world. It allows users to meet singles around them from 100 feet to 100 miles of their location anywhere on earth. The app is bridging the gap between our digital world and real-life by allowing busy people to meet other singles in real-life rather than hiding behind a computer screen like traditional dating sites.
• Take romantic love photos with fantastic Valentine effects and send them to the one you love. Valentine Cam adds dozens of Valentine effects to your camera or local photos. Share a photo with a great Happy Valentine’s Day banner with your family or friends. Your Valentine fun is not just between you and your lover. Take a photo with you and your lover in a beautiful Valentine frame. Send your beloved one a photo gift with you holding a cute “I Love You” heart. Confess your secret love by giving your lover a red rose with “Be Mine” on it.

iOS Accessories:

• Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Soundfreaq’s Sound Step LOVE is now available. Soundfreaq is warming our hearts and our ears with a solid red edition of its highly-praised Sound Step Recharge. The LOVE edition offers the same Bluetooth capabilities, functionality and impressive sound as the original, but in a sleek red design, to accent any décor with a great pop of color. Sound Step Recharge allows users to charge and stream music wirelessly from multiple devices including the iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android and Blackberry and allows iPad users to dock and charge their iPad, with or without the case. Sound Step also offers a built-in rechargeable battery—perfect for portability.
• This Valentine’s Day, the JAMBOX by Jawbone wireless speaker is the perfect present. It’ll connect with your iPhone to play those sweet “Valen-tunes” for your honey; it’ll bring your favorite flicks to life when you watch Netflix from your iPad; and you can even use it as a speakerphone if your loved one is in a faraway place. While JAMBOX ($199), designed by Yves Behar, comes in four hip colors and designs, we think the “RED DOT” version is just perfect for Valentine’s Day.  And, to really set the mood, you can download Jawbone’s “Valentones” AudioApps available via MyTalk (these are a must listen, think Bombshell gone sexier!) to ensure your red hot JAMBOX whispers those sweet nothings to your Valentine.

Macintosh Software:

• Graphic Node has introduced yet another update to its Pages Templates collection for Apple’s popular publishing application. In addition to 712 layouts from the previous version, the updated variety contains 71 new slickly designed, elegant templates. These include 50 cute templates for Valentine’s day cards. The upgraded package maintains the diverse selection of template types introduced in the earlier versions, such as Greeting Card, Letter, Poster, and even Playing Cards.